Microsoft jumps into school-games study

The Redmond-based software company, which publishes “Gears of War,” is studying the reactions of avid gamers to see whether video gaming can promote learning skills that carry over to the classroom.

“We want to figure out what’s compelling about the games,” said John Nordlinger, head of gaming research for Microsoft. “If we can find out how to make the games fun and not make them so violent, that would be ideal.”

Microsoft has put up $1.5 million to start The Games for Learning Institute http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/collaboration/institutes/gamesinstitute.aspx , a joint venture with New York University and other colleges. The goal of the research is to see whether video games – and not just software specifically designed to be educational – can draw students into math, science and technology-based programs. The institute has begun lining up middle school students to study.

DAVE KOLPACK; The Associated Press

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